Maybe it’s because of election season, maybe it’s because I’ve been doing a lot of internet reading, but it sure seems like everyone has a lot to say. Talkity-talk talk.
And that’s coming from me, the girl writing for 31 days straight.
All fingers point at me.
And also my big self.
I’m laughing now, laughing because we are all so incredibly, blessedly small. It’s hilarious. It isn’t that I want to stop talking or quit engaging in conversation or writing. Then what is it?
I stop, consider.
Surrender. That’s the word. I want to offer up my words before they even come out of my mouth. May we know when to speak, when to laugh, and when to keep silence.
This is day nine of 31 Days to Hush. You can click here to see a list of all the posts, updated daily. If you would like to receive these quiet thoughts in your email inbox, subscribe now.
Kimber-Leigh says
October 9, 2012 at 9:24 AMlove this one emily. especially the last two sentences. one thing i’ve always admired about my dad growing up was how he reserved his words. he isn’t a constant “talker.” when he spoke, i listened, because he always chose his words wisely. it is a trait that i want to emulate more, especially as i get older. thanks for reminding me of that today.
i’m really enjoying your 31 days. 🙂
Kimberly says
October 9, 2012 at 9:28 AMYes. Offering up my words before they even come out of my mouth. Such a good idea for such a wordy girl.
Learning more and more each day to delight in being so incredibly small,
K
CJ @ Fill the Well says
October 9, 2012 at 9:35 AMMy first thought was “I wish everyone could read this wisdom during election season. People really need to hear this.” Then you reminded me, “Wait. I am reading this wisdom during election season, and surrendering my words is all I can do to create more peace.” Thank you.
Shelly Wildman says
October 9, 2012 at 9:46 AMI am so glad to read this, Emily, because these are the thoughts I’ve been having as I consider just quitting blogging. My blog is so small, and I don’t have time to devote to growing it. (At least I don’t have time to grow it in the way the experts say I should.) And I compare myself to those who have “bigger” blogs, but then I think, really? Does it really matter? I’ll stay small, listen to God’s voice, and give it all up to Him.
Annie | annieathome says
October 9, 2012 at 3:10 PMOh, I think there’s so much good to pursuing small. I think there’s such wisdom in what you say here: “I’ll stay small, listen to God’s voice, and give it all up to Him.”
Haley says
October 9, 2012 at 10:19 AMThanks for this – we are most definitely “blessedly small.” It’s so easy to forget that.
Lisa says
October 9, 2012 at 10:23 AMI am surrendering up to a month of silence for November. This 31 days thing is a lot of work. I am proclaiming November 30 days of unplugged.
Kristen-Chasing Blue Skies says
October 9, 2012 at 11:04 AMYou and your little-braid-ponytail-self are so darling. And yes…I’m working on when to speak, laugh, and just be quiet myself.
Love you, Em. SO much.
Miriam says
October 9, 2012 at 11:59 AMThis is so good, good, good………. Keep up the good work! All of the posts have been great!! I love that they are are short,
to the point and give a golden nugget for us to chew on. Have a blessed day!
emily freeman says
October 10, 2012 at 4:47 PMshort posts are my favorite.
Kerry @ Made For Real says
October 9, 2012 at 12:51 PM🙂
Kerry @ Made For Real says
October 9, 2012 at 12:53 PMEw, I’m sick of cartoony icons, aren’t you! Lol. I’m turning mine off today, I think. I was going for more of a subtle smile in agreement.
emily freeman says
October 9, 2012 at 1:40 PMthat’s hilarious. I don’t even know how to turn them off. womp, womp.
Margaret says
October 9, 2012 at 1:17 PMWhen God speaks to us, we need to first be silent so we can listen. Love this!
Rochelle says
October 9, 2012 at 1:45 PMIndeed.
Annie Barnett says
October 9, 2012 at 3:11 PMLove this. Love, love, love.
Lexie says
October 9, 2012 at 6:05 PMNailed it. We have to learn when to be quite. Thanks for the reminder!
Mindy Rogers says
October 9, 2012 at 7:33 PMGreat point about knowing when to speak, when to laugh and when to keep my mouth shut…this is going on my list of Golden Rules for Mommies. 🙂
Tracey says
October 9, 2012 at 10:34 PMThe older I get the more often I just want to shut it. It’s necessary to get relief from the talkity-talk talk.
Lauren says
October 9, 2012 at 11:24 PMI feel silly even commenting because that means I’m not keeping quiet. Thank you for the reminder to surrender my words before I use them. Surrendered speech–I need more of that.
Sonika says
October 10, 2012 at 4:26 AMEmily, thanks for this thought. You’ve reminded me of something I heard in church a few weeks ago: “A closed mouth gathers no feet.” Hehe…
Anna says
October 10, 2012 at 7:20 AMI read your blog on my morning quiet time, a magical space where no one is talking! You always refresh me, and for that I am grateful. You are a blessing.
Danielle says
October 10, 2012 at 8:37 AMSurrender.
Often thought of as defeat. Resignation. Giving in.
Our mind and soul strive against these words, until we realize that utter abandon releases true freedom. Liberty. Victory.
Surrendering my words to the One who releases my soul from defeat…the Discerner of what is good and fitting. I put on my Holy Muzzle today, Lord, that others will see You and not me.
Kelly Sauer says
October 10, 2012 at 10:12 AMI absolutely, totally, completely love this shot of you. Make it your new avatar. SO artsy!
Kelly Sauer says
October 10, 2012 at 10:13 AMOh and P.S. Surrender and submission – they are two different things, and surrender isn’t mentioned in the Bible. Ever. But maybe your surrender IS submission, really?
emily freeman says
October 10, 2012 at 4:46 PMhmmm…maybe so.
patty says
October 10, 2012 at 3:18 PMfunny, because i felt this yesterday. and i had no words. no words that meant anything. so i paused. today, i’ll try again.